You are likely familiar with popular red wine varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but have you heard of Cabernet Franc? According to Wine Folly, this particular grape is considered the parent grape of the two aforementioned varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot). Cabernet Franc primarily gives off notes of sweet berries and plum, with a hint of chili pepper spice. France is the largest producer of Cabernet Franc, primarily grown in the Bordeaux and Loire Valley regions. Italy, however, is the second largest producer, with the main growing locations in the regions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Tuscany.
SYLTBAR Cashmere Cabernet Franc - Tasting Notes
Cabernet Franc is a bold wine, with distinct flavor and beautiful aromas. It’s smooth and dry, medium-bodied with a medium-high acidity, making this deep red wine a perfect match for rich dishes, and tomato or vinegar based sauces.
But wait…isn’t SYLTBAR ‘Cashmere’ Cabernet Franc made from 100% Carmenère grape? Yes, it certainly is. Our silky smooth Cashmere is produced in Friuli, Italy using this grape, an Old French cultivar that is thought to be derived from a cross between Cabernet Franc and Gros Cabernet, also known as Trousseau.
A History of Carmenere Grapes
Like Cabernet Franc, the Carmenère grape was also known to be a native to the Bordeaux region of France, however devastation to French vineyards took place in the 19th century due to an aphid-like soil-born pest, Phylloxera. That devastation plus poor fruit set and late ripening caused the Carmenère grape to become almost extinct in France.
Luckily, the Carmenère grape, among others from Bordeaux, had been introduced to Chilean soil in the 1850s just before the Phylloxera hit the vineyards, and it adapted very well to the climate and soil. There were over 10,000 hectares planted in valleys throughout the country, turning the Carmenère into the main red grape produced in the area. The only problem? The grape was mistaken as Merlot for years and years! It wasn’t until the 90s, when a French ampelographer Jean Michel Boursiquot determined through DNA testing that what people considered “Merlot Chileno” was actually Carmenère.
A similar situation happened in Italy, where the Carmenère grape was confused with Cabernet Franc until 1994. The Carmenère grapes were registered under the name “Cabernet Franc” in Northeast Italy, and are still considered to be Cabernet Franc to this day, by law. Because of this Italian law, SYLTBAR must confirm to labelling our Cashmere as a Cabernet Franc, even though it is made using 100% Carmenère grapes.
All Natural Red Wine
Make sense now? This interesting history regarding the grapes is what makes SYLTBAR Cashmere so special. It’s also special because of its low calorie and sugar content. A typical Cabernet Franc is about 16%, while ours sits at 13% and that is why a glass of Cashmere contains much less calories than a traditional variety — only 115 calories per 6 ounce serving, compared to 180. That’s quite the difference!
Cashmere also contains absolutely no added sulfites, so we recommend consuming it within two days of opening. We also recommend serving it at 68-71.6 °F, and pairing it with meat dishes such as burgers or meatballs, cheese and charcuterie.
Regardless of what grapes are used to create our luscious and velvety smooth red wine, we know you will absolutely fall in love with it. It’s full-bodied and intense, with round tannins and a balance of fruit, vegetable and spicy notes. It gives off pleasant aromas, with a slight presence of cinnamon and red berries.
Try SYLTBAR Cashmere, Cabernet Franc
We call it Cashmere because that is exactly what it reminds us of. Soft and smooth, just like your favorite cashmere sweater. Ready to try? Shop now, Cashmere is available exclusively online at SYLTBAR.com.
